Open Thread: Spices in the Air

Someone asked me the other day about Penzey's and good spice connections in Indianapolis. I like Penzey's but rarely shop there because, well, they're pricey and I tend to buy whole spices I need in small amounts, then grind my own. It's not hard with a dedicated spice grinder (also known as a $20 Krups coffee grinder.) But in talking to hard core home cooks, everyone has their own spice connection. (I once bought ras al hanout from Blessac at Amazon.com and it was a huge success.) I hear great things about the bulk spices at The Good Earth. Fresh Market's spices look OK -- although in large sizes. International markets can be good -- although sometimes the quality isn't top notch. So, what's your spice connection?

Duke's Mixture: Zing Goes the ... Oh, Whatever

Country Kitchen Love: Obama goes upscale for church at St. Luke's and downscale for lunch at College Avenue's famous Country Kitchen. Gimme some of that old time religion. [via Indieats]

Natural? Whatev': A deceptive marketing lawsuit bites Pinkberry in its all natural yogurt butt. Emulsifiers, Acidifiers, and fillers! Delicious. [via NYT Diner's Journal]

Grinding Your Own: Just another reason why I'm in love with my spice grinder. Home toasted and blended is always better than Penzey's. [from What Geeks Eat]

Zing! Um...Okay: Renovations proceed on the former Peyton's Place building on Indiana Ave (at West). Owner says it will be "five-star quality" and open by July 1. Just...Can't...Say... It. [via DIG-B]